Rotary press



Feb. 16, 1954 Filed April 26, 1948 l. C. MAXWELL ETAL ROTARY PRESS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS //?A C. MAXWELL OLE H. LANGEN I. C. MAXWELL ET AL ROTARY PRESS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 26. 1948 0% mm vm H06 Q a .E .w 29.25% 196 maoazizou mm ow a Q l, YR mo,

Patented Feb. 16, 1954 acorn res-em PRESS.

1 3, 6 and r m assignm n 1. e mer ic t Miemai clia.

Mirnc c l si 'Minac cta Application April-g6, 1948', Serial No. 23,204 it Ql- .3fi--l Wills invention. relates to rotary presses cm: playinga plurality oi individual pressing mae chines. In carrying out the pressing operation using the usual air or power driven laundry ma: ohinery, it, is necessary for the operator to lay the damp garment on the buck, then actuate the press to bring the presser head upon the buck, then permit-the presserzhead to remain on the buck for at least a minimum period during which the garment is ironed dry and then open the press and remove the-pressed garment therefrom. An appreciable length of time is required during which the press remains closed, and in order to obviate the labor. cost of permitting the operator to stand without anything to occupy her attention during the ironing period, it has been customary to provide a plurality of presses in closely grouped or battery arrangement so that the'operator mayattend to opening apr-ess, laying a fresh garment on the "pressiand re: closing the press WhiI B anotherpress in the bat= tery is closed duringthe ironing portion of the cycle. In this mode of installation and opera: tion, the presses are stationary and the opera: tor must perforce move from one press to an:

other, which is inconvenient because the operator is required to move from press to press and therefore consumes energy in these useless and unproductive movements and is furthermore not provided with opportunity to rest by sitting on a stool while the work is done. Other di'sade vantages of the grouped press installations is that the timing of the cycle is dependent ontirely upon the operator, although in some in-- stances timers have been used for opening the -press after a predetermined time has expired win t oni c e- It is an object of the present invention to pro?- vide an improved pressing machine utilizing a battery oi presses which are operated coapera: tively," one after the other in sequential opera: tion." It is a further object of the invention .to provide an improved press battery wherein the individual presses are mounted for rotation, one otter the other in front of an operator station and thence through a closed path .of motion along which there is a closing station where the press is closed. and thence through a continu-, ous turther motion during which the press re: mains closed andthe ironing operation is com.- pleted, and thence to an opening station at which the press is opened andtheiice return to the rator st icn'whcre the s e r removes d ma es that la to, r is teaser? tenplate cycle or operation. It is a .fiurther objcctioi the invention to. pro ide an. improved -lcattew of pr s ng machines in which the timing ycle is predetermined by the machine operation and in which a plurality ofpresses are utilized in order that the operator may be continuously enga ed in removingthe garment and makin a are; lay of one press after another, while the re: mainingpresses of the battery are automatically undergoing the closing, ironin and opening; functions of the cycle.

It is another object of the invention to .BEQ: vide an improved rotary press, including opera; tor controlled means for regulating the speed operation of the device. It is also anobject oi the. invention to provide an improved y press having operator controls for starting and stopping the operation of the press and, tionally, including operator controls tor provid; ing continuous or intermittent (pausing), opera: tion under the control of the operator, and it operated on the intermittent cycle, to provide rotation of the press until each press is success: fully brought to the operator station at which the press is stopped and the rotation then re: started by the operator at the completion of the lay. It is also an object of the inventionzto Bro: yide improved rotary press wherein the closing, pressing and opening portions of the cycle are automatically controlled in timed sequence.

Other and further objects of the invention are those inherent in the apparatus herein illus: trated, described and claimed.

The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which Figure 1 is aplan view of the apparatus ofthe invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the lines 2-2 of Figure 1, it being understood that in Figure 2 the rotation of the assembly is such as to show the open press at the point of closing and to show the closed press at the point of;

opening;

(Figure 7) and the press opening station (Figure 8) Figure 9 is a modified form of press rotating arrangement wherein the motor and drive are completely housed.

Throughout the drawings corresponding numorals refer to corresponding elements.

Referring to the drawings the pressing machine includes a central floor plate ill which is adapted to be placed or bolted upon the floor i i on which the pressing machine is installed. Upon the plate ii) there is a central stationary pivot 12 which extends up and terminates near the top or the housing M. The pivot shaft l2 serves to support suitable ball or sleeve bearings l which are mounted in the main flange is of the circular rotary frame plate H. The flange I6 is also supported by a thrust bearing i8 which is mounted upon the plate ill so as to receive the weight load at the center of the plate ii. The plate I! is preferably of circular shape and near its periphery is reinforced by ring channels 2i? and 2| which are positioned so that their flanges are oppositely directed and are of such a diameter as to leave a space between the webs of the flanges. Within-this space are mounted a plurality of wheels 22 around the periphery of the ring channels 20 and 2!. Greatest rigidity is provided by placing two or more of the wheels 22 under each of the presses that are mounted upon the rotary frame plate ll so as to steady the plate H against vibration due to the opening and closing of the press. Plate i! may, if desired, have radial stifiening webs not illustrated in order to increase its rigidity. The wheels 22 may be rubber tired, if desired, and the wheels 22 may run directly upon the floor H where the floor has suflicient evenness. Where the installation is made on a rough or uneven floor II, it is preferable to place a circular sheet metal track 24 on the floor along the path where the wheels 22 track. The axis of each of the wheels 22 is radial in respect to the central pivot i2.

For rotating the circular frame plate I! and all elements attached thereto, there is provided a belt 25 which may be a chain belt, as shown in Figure 1, which passes over a pulley 26 that is mounted upon radial arm 21, the arm being pivoted at 28 to the floor. An adjustment screw 30 mounted in the stationary bracket 3! is positioned so as to bear against the arm 21 so as to move it arcuately and thus permit tightening or loosening of the belt 25. The belt 25 also runs over the driven pulley 32. The pulley 32 rotates at slow speed and is preferably driven by an electric motor 34 through a gear box. We prefer to use a motor 34 which is capable of speed variations, such as a wound rotor repulsion induction motor, a shunt type direct current motor or the like. It is perfectly feasible to utilize an air driven motor 34 for constant or variable speed application where such is desired, the controls therefor being then appropriately selected for ggntrolling the speed and operation of the motor Upon the rotary base I! there are mounted a plurality of pressing machines generally designated A, B, C and D in Figure 1. Any suitable number of pressing machines greater than one may be utilized, depending upon the capacity of the unit and the type of work desired to be done by means of the installation. Four pressing machines of preferably identical character are shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention and are spaced evenly around the rotary frame plate I1. The rotation of the frame plate I1 is in the direction of the arrow 35 and rotation of the drive pulley 32 is shown by the arrow 36. An operator station indicated by the floor pad 3'! extends through approximately one-quarter of the circular path of motion of the floor plate I! and presses A-D mounted thereon. Adjacent the terminating edge 38 of the operator station, there is provided a protective guard 40 which likewise extends through approximately one-quarter of the path of rotation of the floor plate I? and the presses mounted thereon. The guard 49 roughly defines the closing station, it being understood that the guard extends somewhat ahead of and behind the position to which the presses close at the closing station so as adequately to safeguard any person from introducing members of their body on the press while the press is closed. From the termination of the closing station, which is at the position approximately shown by press B in Figure 1, and continuing in the direction of arrow 35, there is a portion of the path of mo tion during which the pressing part of the cycle takes place. During this portion of the cycle the pressing head is closed down upon the buck. The opening station is between the position in which press D is shown in Figure 1, which is still closed, and the leading edge 4| of the operator station. The closing station actuator is shown generally at 42 and the opening station actuator is shown generally at 45.

Adjacent the leading edge of the guard 40 there is a control panel generally designated 46, hereafter to be described in greater detail.

The presses A-D or any number which are mounted upon the rotary floor plate I? may be of any desired individually powered driven presses. Present day presses are usually air driven and in the embodiment of the invention herein illustrated, the presses A-D are of the type shown in Patent Re. 22,041, although it is to be understood that any suitable air or other power driven press may be utilized. Thus, for example, the presses A-D can be single cylinder air driven presses of which the type shown in Patent 2,265,449 is exemplary.

To the top of the central standard Hi there is attached a rotary gland generally designated l? which is connected to three concentric feed pipes 48, 49 and 50, two of which supply air under pressure and steam and the third serves as the condensate return of the presses. From the ro tary gland 4'! individual connections ltA-D, 49A-D and EBA-D are carried to the separate presses A, B, C, and D as shown for connections EBA-D in Figure l. The gland 41 is of any suitable design and, in this instance, is supplied by the overhead feed and return pipes d8, 49 and 50. If desired, the central shaft l2 may be made hollow and of sufficient diameter so that the feed pipes 48, 49 and 58 may be introduced from the bottom rather than at the top as illustrated.

In the exemplified showing of the invention illustrated in Figure 2, each of the pressing machines includes a frame 52 which is suitably attached to the circular revolving frame plate IT. The type of presses illustrated is a two-cylinder press, but as hereinbefore stated, this is merely exemplary of any type of power actuated presses that may be used. In the presses shown, each has a press frame and upon the frame 52 there is mounted a stationary buck 54 and a presser arm 5-5 which is pivoted at 56. The presser arm carries a presser head 5'! which is movable from an open position (as shown for press A at the left in Figure 2) to the closed position (as shown.

for press D at the right in Figure 2) The movemore.

ment or press. iron: open to closed position and irom closed to open position is accomplished by means of an air or other-fluid. motor consisting of a. closing cylinder 58. and. appropriate controls.

Cylinder 58; is pivoted to the frame at 59. and: to

the rearwardly amending portion of the Dresser arm 55 at 6%. In the: illustrated presses the cylin ders 5% are of low power but are suflicient to move the presser arms; 5-5- from the full open. position. to a. position close to the buck. The powerml. squeezing requisite for ironing. is accomplished by means or larger cylinders: G I: which are pivoted to the frames at.- GZ; and. are pivoted at- 64 to E5, the upper end of link to in each press being. pivoted. at 6 5 to the rear portion of the presser arm; 55. The pivot it is providedwith a roller. not illustrated. which moves in a cam track 61 such that when the press. is at nearly closed position the pivot 64 is permitted then to move the i is-mg. cam slot .68 and thus apply a powerful jacking action on the rearward y extendin P tion of the presser arm 55 so as thereby to apply heavy pressing force through the head 5.! upon the buckv 54. The control of air or other motor fluid to the cylinder 58-49 of each press is by means of a master operating valve generally designated H!- which is arranged to be moved between each of its two operating positions by pilot cylinders H and '12. In Patent Re. 22,041, which explains the operation of presses of this type, the corresponding closing cylinder and pilot cylinder are energized through two-hand control valves that are located near the front of the pressing machine on the work table beneath the bucks. In the present instance these two valves are, for example, located at and 5 near the base oi the press and when they are operated air under pressure is introduced from the gland 41 via pipe. 18. Valves l5 and 1B are normally closed but when both are open, air is transmitte therc through and thence through the pipe 19 to the press closing pilot cylinder 12.. When pilot cylinder T2 is operated it moves the valve 10 in a direction such that air is admitted from line 80 through the valve H1 and thence through line 84 to both the closing cylinder 58 and also to the squeezing cylinder 6| which applies ironing pressure. In Patent Re. 22,041, the two-hand control valvesadmit air directly to the closing cylin der and the corresponding pilot valve controls air flow to only the squeezing cylinder. The results are, however, substantially the same and either air circuit may be used in presses of this character. Opening of the press is occasioned by the operation of .a release valve 82 which in Patent Re. 22,041, is likewise mounted on the work table 14. In the present instance the release valve 82 is mounted near the bottom of the press frame. Valve 82 is normally closed by spring action, but when actuated air is admitted through it from line 18, thence via line :83 to the valve .82 and thence when the valve is actuated to line 84 which extends to the pilot cylinder H of the valve 10. This causes actuation of the valve '10 to the press opening position in which case the air in cylinder 6! is released through the valve 10 to the exhaust mufiler 85. The foregoing controls are described in greater detail in Patent Re. 22,041. It is to be understood that any suitable controls for the presses A, B, C and D may be utilized and the specific illustration herein given is therefore only exemplary.

EEachcf the presses 'B, C and 1D is provided with a corresponding .setof closing ra'lves correspond:- ing to '15 and. land with .an' opening .or release a. valve to valve it o press A. he at am location on th press or on. the rotary frame I! which is convenient. F01? ex.- anmle, they may be locat d at theiront lower eit; portion. or each press as illustrated in h present exemplified ions. of} the invention or at any place on the mtatins. frame H or part movabl therewith so. that the valv s may be perat d by stationary stops or cams as the presses. move alone. Inns. valves 15. lit and t2; may be locat d on the frame IE1: so as to-he within. the confines o the circular ring channel 2t so asto be operated by cams: thereunder, shown. in Fi ures. 6, and 8.

In Figures, 6,. '1: and 8 there is shown a modified installation or the control valves which only one valve 16A. is used. tor controllin the air flow to the press clos n pilot cylinder 12; and hence closure of the press and another valve 82A is used to control the flow of. air to the pr ss openi pilot cylinder II and hence opening oi the press. Both valves are mounted on. a plate 13 an form. an which is mounted. one assembly for each press, in a onvenien location on plate. H, as for example at AA. for press A, 33 for press B. GG for press .0- and. DD for press D, Figure. 1.. It is understood. of course. that the con rol assemblies may be at any convenient location. In Fig ures .5, 6 and 7 the control cam 86A (Figure. '7) f r opeiatine the valves 16A. (and the corr p nding valves for the remaining presses) is mounted the poor (I at a position such that the valve 16A etc. would be operated when the correspondingpress reaches the closin position within the confines of guard 4-9. Thus, the cam would be under plate :I'I- and. at position 02 Figure 1 or slightly in advance or behind such position. The. criterion is to have. the press close after the press has. reached .a safe. location within the space provided and guarded by the guard 4c and panel board 3:8. The closing cams are l cated accordingly. It is. noted that two valves corresponding to 15 and Hi of Figure 3 are not used this modified form since the cams and valve stems are enclosed by the. press turn-table I], and hence accidental operation is unlikely. However, two valves may be used if desired for extra safety. The cam 90A (Figure-8) for operating the press open pilot cylinder for openin the press is located so that at the openin position the valve 82A for press A and the corresponding valves of the other presses are actuated and the presses opened as each press comes around to the opening position of Figure 1. Thus, cam A is at approximately the position DD .of Figure 1 so that each press is opened as it reaches approximately the position of press D in Figure 1 or, if desired, even nearer the leading edge 41 of operator station 31. The criterion is to have each press open as it comes to the operating station and the opening cam is located accordingly.

The valves '15 and #5 in the illustrated embodiment are positioned so that their operating stems are located to be engaged, by a pair of operating cams 88 and :81 that are mounted on pedestal 88 in the housing 42 shown in Figure 1. When the rotary frame I] moves each press past the closing station .42, Figure 1, the cams 86 and 81 engage the stems of the valves 15 and 16 of each .press and thereby cause actuation of the then open press to closed position. It may be pointed out that two valves 15 and 15 are uti lized in order that .srieatei safety :ior the device may .be obtained- This prevents accidental operation of the press in the event an operator or stranger should accidentally kick one of the valves 15 or 16.

Thus, as each press reaches the closing station 42 the cams 8E and 81 cause simultaneous actuation of the press "and the presser head 57 closes upon buck 54. The continued rotation of the frame H carries the then closed press in the direction of arrow 35 and the pressing action takes place until the operating controls of the press are brought adjacent the opening station 45 at which place a single cam 90, which is mounted upon a pedestal under the cover 4", actuates the operating stem of the release valve 82, thereby causing release of each press as it comes past the opening station 45. The then open press continues around through the operator station 31. The operator removes the pressed garment and lays a fresh unpressed or damp garment on the buck while the rotation is continued, or two operators, if desired, may be at the operating station 37, one who will re move the garments and another to place the unpressed garments on the buck. The then open press with the unpressed garment on the buck then continues around to the station 42 where closure of the press is occasioned as previously described.

Referring particularly to Figures 1, i and'5, at 48, Figure 1, there is provided a vertical panel board which is shown in elevation in Figure 4. Upon the panel board there are mounted the operator controls by which a variety of operations of the machine may be achieved. In the operation previously described the drive motor 34 rotated continuously and thus continuously moved the presses about their circular path of travel. In order to vary the speed of operation of the motor 34 so as to suit the needs of the work being done and the skill of the operator, there is provided a speed control 92 which includes a rotating knob and suitable control operated thereby and mounted within the confines of the panel board 45. The particular speed control which is used depends upon the type of motor drive 34. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment of the invention an adjustable speed direct current motor or repulsion induction motor 34 may be used, in which case the control operated by the speed control handle 92 is a variable resistor 53 of suitable design. Such a motor and control are illustrated in the wiring diagram, Figure 5. For other types of electric, hydraulic or air motor drives the control element 93, which is operated by the speed control knob 92, is selected according to the type of motor and: power source utilized. In this mannor the speed of rotation of the supporting platform I! and the presses carried thereby may be adjusted to suit the work and skill of the operator.

In order to stop and start rotation there are provided start and stop buttons 94 and 95, respectively, which are connected to the motor element 34 so as to start and stop its operation. Thus, as illustrated in the wiring diagram these constitute a push button switch 96 having the start button 94 and the stop button 95. By pushing the start button the circuit to the motor 34 is completed and, other conditions being satisfied, the motor 34 starts and rotates the presscarrying platform. In order to stop rotation the stop button 9-5 is pressed, thus opening the cir.

cuit in discontinuous operation. r

In some instances it is desirable to have "anin order that the operator may not be caused to do unacceptable work because of unavoidable or occasionaldelay in removing the pressed garment or making the lay of the 'unpressed garment or other causes; To provide for selective control of continuous or intermittent operation, there is provided a stopping control 9'! which is mounted, for example, near the base of control panel 46 and closely adjacent the periphery of the rotary supporting platform 11. The stopping control in the present instance is illustrated by the power switch 91 which has an operating stem 98 positioned so as to be in the path of movement of cams 98A, 98B, 98C and 98D which are mounted on any part of the rotary platform I! or on any apparatus carried thereby. As herein illustrated cams 98A-98D are mounted on platform I: which is a convenient location. As shown in the circuit diagram, Figure 5, which is exemplary of the type of control used, the switch 9'! is normally closed and is moved to the open position successively by the cams 98A through 98D. As each press reaches the position shown for press A in Figure 1, its corresponding stopping cam 83A through 58D is in position to press the operating stem of the switch 91, and this interrupts the power circuit of the motor 34 and thereby causes the motor to stop. In order to restart the rotation of the platform I! there is provided a normally open operator push button 100 which is connected in parallel to the stopping switch 91. Thus, even though one of the cams 98A through 98D has pressed against the stem 98 and opened switch 91 thereby stopping the motor 34, rotation can be restarted by the operator by pushing on restart switch I which serves to close the contact around switch 81. By making the peak of cams 93A through 98D relatively sharp, only a momentary pressure on button Hill is required for as soon as rotation has begun the cam, which has then been pushing upon the stem 98 of the stopping switch 91, moves out of alignment with the switch, and operation may then continue through the then closed switch 57, thus permitting the restart switch Mil to be released. When utilizing intermittent operation, each press comes around to the position shown for press A in Figure 1 and then stops. The operator may, if she has before the stop occurs already removed the pressed garment and has laid the unpressed garment on the buck, simply hold the button 500 down, even before rotation of the platform [1 stops, and in such case rotation simply continues by virtue of the continuous circuit which is maintained through the restart I00, regardless of the momentary opening of switch 91. However, if the operator is delayed and does not have the time to complete the lay of the garment and place an unpressed garment on the buck, the rotation stops and is not resumed until the operator pushes restart switch [00.

In order to provide optional control for-either the foregoing interrupted (pausing) operation or continuous operation, there is included a twobutton control switch 10! having a continuous operation push button N12 for continuous rotation operation and intermittent operation push button I03 for the interrupted or pausing type of operation. The switch I S! is connected, as shown in Figure 5, so as to bridge contacts 91. When it is desired to have continuous operation the button I02 is. pushed, thus permanently clos- 11 rotated, motor means positioned outside the path of movement of the frame and including a drive means on an upright axis and a belt around said means and circular rim drivingly connecting them for rotating the frame, a source of air under pressure connected to said air motor means, a source of steam under pressure connected to said steam chambers and a steam condensate return connected to said steam chambers and said connections of air, steam and condensate return being made to each press through a gland concentric about the axis of rotation of the press frame.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further characterized in that the connections of air, steam and steam condensate return are through overhead pipes to said concentric gland.

8. A pressing machine comprising a frame, means mounting the frame for rotary motion around a vertical axis of rotation, a plurality of pressing machines, each having a buck, a presser head and an air motor connected to the head for moving it into pressing engagement with the buck, said pressing machines being mounted at spaced intervals on and around said frame for rotary movement therewith around a closed path having said vertical axis as the center, each of said presses including a valve which is movable to a pressclosing position for introducing air into the air motor of said press for closing said press and which is movable to a press-opening position for exhausting the air from said air motor for opening the press, a closing cam follower, and means connecting the cam follower to said valve for moving said valve to press closing condition, and

an opening cam follower and means connecting the opening cam follower to said valve for moving said valve to press opening position, said closed path of motion of the frame and presses thereon being divided into portions for the closing, pressing, opening and loading operation of said presses as they move through said portions of said closed path, stationary closing cam means located so as to be briefly engaged by the closing cam followers of said presses for moving said cam followers and the press valves actuated thereby to press closing position successively as the presses move through said closing portion of said path, and stationary opening cam means located so as to be briefly engaged by the opening cam followers of said presses and out of the path of movement of said closing cam followers for operating said opening cam followers and the press valve operated thereby to press opening position successively as the presses move said opening portion of said path.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further characterized in that said cam followers are vertically reciprocating mechanical elements.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 further characterized in that said closing and opening cam followers pneumatically actuate said press control valve.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 further characterized in that said cam followers are located on said frame and rotatable therewith and said stationary cam opening means are placed externally of said frame and are adapted to be engaged once during the rotation of said frame by the opening cam followers for each of said machines.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 further characterized in that the closing cam follower of each press comprises a plurality of reciprocating elements adapted to connect an air supply source to said air motor, and said reciprocating elements acting in unison therefor.

13. The apparatus of claim ll'further char acterized in that a guard is provided around the path of movement of the presses throughout that portion of said movement during which the press closes.

14. A pressing apparatus comprising a frame, means mounting the frame for rotary motion about a vertical axis of rotation, a plurality of pressing machines each having a buck, a presser head and an air motor connected to the head for moving it into pressing engagement with the buck, said pressing machines being mounted at spaced intervals on and around said frame for rotary movement therewith around a closed path having said vertical axis as the center, each of said presses including a valve which is movable to a press closing position for introducing air into the air motor of said press for closing said press and movable to a press opening position for ex-- hausting the air from said air motor for opening the press, a closing cam follower penumatically connected to said valve for moving said valve to press closing position, an opening cam follower pneumatically connected to said valve for moving said valve to press opening position, said closed path of motion of the frame and presses thereon being divided into portions for the closing, pressing, opening and loading operation of said presses as they move through said portions of said closed path, stationary closing cam means external to said frame and located so as to be engaged by the closing cam followers of said presses for directly mechanically moving said cam followers and the press valve actuated thereby to press closing position successively as the press is moved through said closing portion of said path and sta tionary opening cam means located so as to be engaged by the opening cam followers of said presses and out of the path of movement of said closing cam followers for directly mechanically operating said opening cam followers and the press valve operated thereby to press opening position successively as the press is moved through said opening portion of said path, and said stationary opening cam means being positioned on a station immediately preceding the opening position of said path of travel and said closing cam means being positioned at a station immediately preceding said closing path of travel.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 further characterized in that said closing cam means comprises a plurality of horizontally extending projections adapted to contact said closing cam followers throughout a relatively small segment of travel of said frame through said closed path and safety means protecting said stationary cam means.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 further characterized in that a vertically extending guard is provided positioned adjacent the periphery of said frame and extending throughout the closing portion of said path of travel.

17. In a pressing machine having a frame mounted for rotation about an upright axis, said frame having a plurality of pressing bucks spaced therearound, a presser head mounted for cooperative movement into and out of engagement with each buck, and press operating motor means and controls therefor for effecting said movements as the frame is rotated, motor means for rotating the frame, said press operating motor means being air motor means and said presser heads being chambered so as to be heated by steam, a source of air under pressure connected to said press operating motors, a source of steam under pres-L 13 14 sure connected to said steam chambers and a References Cited in the file of this patent steam condensate return connected to said steam UNITED STATES PATENTS chambers, said connections of air for operating the press operating means and said steam and Number Name Date steam condensate return each being made to each 5 872,566 LaCQmmB 1907 press through a concentric gland located at the 1,777,517 Davls 1930 2,203,359 McDougall June 4, 1940 axis of rotation of the press frame.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further char- 2,206,172 Estes July 1940 acterized in that the connections of air, steam and 21265349 Raynolds 1941 2,497,128 Leef Feb. 14, 1950 steam condensate return are through overhead 10 pipes to said concentric gland.

IRA C. MAXWELL.

OLE H. LANGEN. 

